U.S. patent number 10,161,127 [Application Number 15/437,162] was granted by the patent office on 2018-12-25 for fitting for channel framing.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Cooper Technologies Company. The grantee listed for this patent is Cooper Technologies Company. Invention is credited to Feng Liu, Zhihui Zhang.
United States Patent |
10,161,127 |
Zhang , et al. |
December 25, 2018 |
Fitting for channel framing
Abstract
A fitting for use with channel framing including an outer
surface and a fitting groove formed in the outer surface includes a
base comprising an inner face, an outer face, and sides extending
between the inner face and outer face. The base is configured for
insertion into the fitting groove of the channel framing. A spring
member is mounted on the base and disposed generally above the
outer face of the base. The spring member is configured to engage
the outer surface of the channel framing when the base is inserted
into the fitting groove. The base and the spring member form a
clamp for securing the fitting in the fitting groove.
Inventors: |
Zhang; Zhihui (Edwardsville,
IL), Liu; Feng (Shanghai, CN) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cooper Technologies Company |
Houston |
TX |
US |
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Assignee: |
Cooper Technologies Company
(Houston, TX)
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Family
ID: |
55955119 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/437,162 |
Filed: |
February 20, 2017 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20170298616 A1 |
Oct 19, 2017 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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15160665 |
May 20, 2016 |
9580900 |
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14541966 |
Nov 14, 2014 |
9347213 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04C
3/09 (20130101); F16B 37/045 (20130101); E04B
1/40 (20130101); E04C 3/08 (20130101); E04C
2003/0473 (20130101); E04C 2003/0421 (20130101); E04C
2003/0434 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F16L
3/10 (20060101); E04B 1/41 (20060101); E04C
3/09 (20060101); F16B 37/04 (20060101); E04C
3/08 (20060101); E04C 3/04 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;52/282.2
;248/65,71-73 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
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WO |
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Oct 2014 |
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WO |
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Other References
Drawing of MQM Wing Nut, (at least as early as Mar. 13, 2012), 1
page. cited by applicant .
Hilti MI/MZ Technical Guide, 4.2 MQ System Components--Load Data
and Material Specifications, MQM Wing Nut, (at least as early as
Mar. 13, 2012), 1 page, www.us.hilti.com, Canada. cited by
applicant .
B-Line by Eaton--Channel Nuts & Hardware, Strut Systems, (at
least as early as Mar. 13, 2012), pp. 45-53. cited by applicant
.
Power-Strut Engineering Catalog, Pictorial Table of Contents, (at
least as early as Mar. 13, 2012), pp. 11-14, www.alliedeg.com.
cited by applicant .
Unistrut, Channels Nuts, Top Retainer Nut, (at least as early as
Mar. 13, 2012), 1 page. cited by applicant .
Unistrut, P1000.RTM. & P1001 Channels, (at least as early as
Mar. 13, 2012), 1 page. cited by applicant .
Unistrut, P1100.RTM. & P1101 Channels, (at least as early as
Mar. 13, 2012), 1 page. cited by applicant .
Unistrut, P2000.RTM. & P2001 Channels, (at least as early as
Mar. 13, 2012), 1 page. cited by applicant .
Unistrut General Engineering Catalog, Unistrut Corporation, Mar. 1,
1998; pp. 117, 118. cited by applicant .
POWER-STRUT.RTM. Engineering Catalog, Tyco International, 2008, pp.
63, 65. cited by applicant .
A guide to threadlocking adhesives, Reliable Plant, May 28, 2013,
(online), retrieved on Apr. 27, 2017, retrieved from the internet,
https://web.archive.org/web/20130528020650/http:www.reliableplant.com/Rea-
d/27159/Guide-to-threadlocking-adhesives. cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/541,966, dated Jun.
1, 2015, 14 pages. cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office action for U.S. Appl. No. 14/541,966, dated Nov.
3, 2015, 14 pages. cited by applicant .
Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 14/541,966, dated Jan. 29,
2016, 7 pages. cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office action for U.S. Appl. No. 15/160,665, dated Jul.
14, 2016, 14 pages. cited by applicant .
Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 15/160,665, dated Nov. 9,
2016, 8 pages. cited by applicant .
International Search Report and Written Opinion for
PCT/US2015/060618, dated Feb. 1, 2016, 12 pages. cited by applicant
.
"Dovetail" Google.com, retrieved online on Sep. 18, 2017 from
URL:https://www.google.com/search?q+define%A+dovetail. cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Ford; Gisele D
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Stinson Leonard Street LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
15/160,665 filed May 20, 2016, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,580,900,
which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/541,966,
filed Nov. 14, 2014, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,347,213, the entire
contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A coupling component for use with channel framing including
sidewalls defining an exterior dovetail-shaped fitting groove
extending along a length of the channel framing, the coupling
component comprising: a base having an inner face, an outer face,
opposite first and second sides extending between the inner face
and outer face, a width extending between the opposite first and
second sides, beveled opposite first and second ends having
respective beveled exterior surfaces and extending between the
inner face and the outer face, and a length extending between the
opposite ends, wherein the base is configured to be received in the
dovetail-shaped fitting groove of the channel framing such that the
respective beveled exterior surfaces of the beveled opposite first
and second ends of the base oppose and engage the sidewalls
defining the dovetail-shaped fitting groove, wherein the respective
beveled exterior surfaces of the beveled opposite first and second
ends include at least one of a plurality of projections and a
plurality of indentations on the beveled exterior surfaces
configured to enhance frictional engagement with the sidewalls
defining dovetail-shaped fitting groove, wherein the base includes
diagonally opposite first and second corners, the first corner
intermediate the first end and the first side, the second corner
intermediate the second end and the second side, the first and
second corners being beveled toward the outer face, the first
corner being rounded from the first end to the first side, and the
second corner being rounded from the second side to the second end,
wherein the first and second corners facilitate rotation of the
base within the dovetail-shaped fitting groove so that the
respective beveled exterior surfaces of the beveled opposite first
and second ends of the base oppose and engage the sidewalls
defining the dovetail-shaped fitting groove.
2. The coupling component set forth in claim 1, wherein the length
of the base is greater than the width.
3. The coupling component set forth in claim 2, wherein the base is
configured to be inserted into the dovetail-shaped fitting groove
with the respective beveled exterior surfaces of the beveled
opposite first and second sides opposing the sidewalls defining
dovetail-shaped fitting groove and configured to be rotated within
the dovetail-shaped fitting groove so that the respective beveled
exterior surfaces of the beveled opposite first and second ends of
the base oppose and engage the sidewalls defining the
dovetail-shaped fitting groove.
4. The coupling component set forth in claim 1, wherein the base
includes diagonally opposite third and fourth corners, the third
corner intermediate the first end and the second side, the fourth
corner intermediate the second end and the first side, the third
and fourth corners being squared off to facilitate locking of the
base within the dovetail-shaped fitting groove and inhibit over
rotation of the base in the dovetail-shaped fitting groove.
5. The coupling component set forth in claim 1, wherein the at
least one of a plurality of projections and a plurality of
indentations on the beveled exterior surfaces includes a plurality
of knurls.
6. The coupling component set forth in claim 1, wherein the at
least one of a plurality of projections and a plurality of
indentations on the beveled exterior surfaces includes a plurality
of indentations.
7. The coupling component set forth in claim 1, wherein the at
least one of a plurality of projections and a plurality of
indentations on the beveled exterior surfaces includes teeth.
8. The coupling component set forth in claim 1, wherein the at
least one of a plurality of projections and a plurality of
indentations on the beveled exterior surfaces includes a
friction-enhancing material applied to said at least one of a
plurality of projections and a plurality of indentations.
9. The coupling component set forth in claim 1, wherein the base
has a generally dovetail shape in cross section along the length of
the base.
10. The coupling component set forth in claim 1, wherein the base
defines an opening extending through the inner and outer faces.
11. The coupling component set forth in claim 10, wherein the
opening is threaded.
12. The coupling component set forth in claim 1, further comprising
a spring member mounted on the base and disposed generally above
the outer face of the base, the base and the spring member forming
a clamp for securing the coupling component in the fitting
groove.
13. A channel framing assembly comprising: a piece of channel
framing including an elongate body having a longitudinal axis and
defining an interior extending along the longitudinal axis, the
body comprising a side including an exterior fitting groove
extending lengthwise of the body, the exterior fitting groove being
defined by sidewalls and having a generally dovetail-shaped cross
section; and a coupling component comprising: a base having an
inner face, an outer face, opposite first and second sides
extending between the inner face and outer face, a width extending
between the opposite first and second sides, beveled opposite first
and second ends having respective beveled exterior surfaces and
extending between the inner face and the outer face, and a length
extending between the opposite ends, wherein the base is configured
to be received in the dovetail-shaped fitting groove of the channel
framing such that the respective beveled exterior surfaces of the
beveled opposite first and second ends of the base oppose and
engage the sidewalls defining the dovetail-shaped fitting groove;
wherein the respective beveled exterior surfaces of the beveled
opposite first and second ends include at least one of a plurality
of projections and a plurality of indentations on the beveled
exterior surfaces configured to enhance frictional engagement with
the sidewalls defining dovetail-shaped fitting groove, wherein the
base includes diagonally opposite first and second corners, the
first corner intermediate the first end and the first side, the
second corner intermediate the second end and the second side, the
first and second corners being beveled toward the outer face, the
first corner being rounded from the first end to the first side,
and the second corner being rounded from the second side to the
second end, wherein the first and second corners facilitate
rotation of the base within the dovetail-shaped fitting groove so
that the respective beveled exterior surfaces of the beveled
opposite first and second ends of the base oppose and engage the
sidewalls defining the dovetail-shaped fitting groove.
14. The channel framing assembly set forth in claim 13, wherein the
base is configured to be inserted into the dovetail-shaped fitting
groove with the respective beveled exterior surfaces of the beveled
opposite sides opposing the sidewalls defining dovetail-shaped
fitting groove and configured to be rotated within the
dovetail-shaped fitting groove so that the respective beveled
exterior surfaces of the beveled opposite first and second ends of
the base oppose and engage the sidewalls defining the
dovetail-shaped fitting groove.
15. The channel framing assembly set forth in claim 13, wherein the
base includes diagonally opposite third and fourth corners, the
third corner intermediate the first end and the second side, the
fourth corner intermediate the second end and the first side, the
third and fourth corners being squared off to facilitate locking of
the base within the dovetail-shaped fitting groove and inhibit over
rotation of the base in the dovetail-shaped fitting groove.
16. The channel framing assembly set forth in claim 13, wherein the
at least one of a plurality of projections and a plurality of
indentations on the beveled exterior surfaces includes a plurality
of knurls.
17. The channel framing assembly set forth in claim 13, wherein the
at least one of a plurality of projections and a plurality of
indentations on the beveled exterior surfaces includes a plurality
of indentations.
18. The channel framing assembly set forth in claim 13, wherein the
at least one of a plurality of projections and a plurality of
indentations on the beveled exterior surfaces includes teeth.
19. The channel framing assembly set forth in claim 13, wherein the
at least one of a plurality of projections and a plurality of
indentations on the beveled exterior surfaces includes a
friction-enhancing material applied to said at least one of a
plurality of projections and a plurality of indentations.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure generally relates to channel framing with at
least one additional side that is functional, and a fitting for use
with the additional functional side of the channel framing.
BACKGROUND
One type of channel framing is called strut channel, which is used
in the construction and electrical industries for structural
support, often for supporting wiring, plumbing, or mechanical
components such as air conditioning or ventilation systems. Strut
channel is usually formed from metal sheet, folded over into an
open channel shape with inwards-curving lips to provide additional
stiffness and as a location to mount interconnecting components.
The side of the strut channel opposite the open channel usually has
holes of some sort in the base, to facilitate interconnection or
fastening the strut to underlying building structures. The other
sides (e.g., left and right sides) typically do not have any
functionality. Thus, the strut channel really has only one side for
mounting components on the strut.
SUMMARY
In one aspect, a fitting for use with channel framing including an
outer surface and a fitting groove formed in the outer surface
generally comprises a base comprising an inner face, an outer face,
and sides extending between the inner face and outer face. The base
is configured for insertion into the fitting groove of the channel
framing. A spring member is mounted on the base and disposed
generally above the outer face of the base. The spring member is
configured to engage the outer surface of the channel framing when
the base is inserted into the fitting groove. The base and the
spring member form a clamp for securing the fitting in the fitting
groove.
In another aspect, a method of securing a fitting to a channel
framing including an outer surface and a fitting groove formed in
the outer surface generally comprises inserting a base of the
fitting into the fitting groove along a longitudinal axis of the
fitting. The fitting is rotated in the fitting groove to dispose
ends of the base generally at sides of the fitting groove and to
dispose at least a portion of a spring member of the fitting above
the outer surface of the fitting groove to engage the outer
surface. The base and the spring member form a clamp for securing
the fitting in the fitting groove.
In still another aspect, a channel framing assembly generally
comprises an elongate body having a longitudinal axis and defining
an interior extending along the longitudinal axis. The body
comprises a side including an outer surface and a fitting groove
formed in the outer surface and extending lengthwise of the body. A
fitting is configured for being retained to the fitting groove. The
fitting comprises a base configured for insertion into the fitting
groove. A spring member is mounted on the base and configured to
engage the outer surface of the body when the base is inserted into
the fitting groove. The base and the spring member form a clamp for
securing the fitting to the fitting groove.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective of a channel framing;
FIG. 1A is a perspective of another embodiment of a channel
framing;
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the channel framing;
FIG. 2A is an enlarged front elevational view of the channel
framing;
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the channel framing;
FIG. 4 is a perspective of the channel framing of FIG. 1 with a
fitting comprising a rod hanger assembly installed on a right side
of the channel framing;
FIG. 5 is an end view of the channel framing and fitting of FIG. 4
showing wings of the fitting bent to engage the channel
framing;
FIG. 6 is a perspective of a coupling component of the rod hanger
assembly of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the coupling component of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the coupling component of FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the coupling component;
FIG. 10 is a side view of the coupling component;
FIG. 11 is a front view of the coupling component; and
FIG. 12 is a right elevational view of the coupling component
installed on the right side of the channel framing;
FIG. 13 is an embodiment of a nut portion of a coupling component;
and
FIG. 14 is another embodiment of a nut portion of a coupling
component.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts
throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2-3, a channel framing is generally
indicated at reference numeral 10. Suitable channel framing 10
according to the teachings of the present disclosure may be
constructed for use in many different fields, industries, and
applications, including, but not limited to, safety grating
industry, spring steel fastener industry, cable trays and ladders,
pipe hangers, solar industry, racks and runways, electrical
enclosures, seismic industry, and rooftop supports.
The channel framing 10 has an elongate body, generally designated
11, with a generally square or rectangular cross-sectional shape
having four sides and a longitudinal axis A extending along a
length L1 (FIG. 3) of the body. As illustrated, the body 11 has an
upper side 12, a lower side 14, a right side 16, and a left side 18
(each indicated generally), although the respective relative
locations of the respective sides will depend on the orientation of
the channel framing in use. A height H1 of the framing 10 extends
between the upper and lower sides 12, 14. The upper side 12 (or
slotted side) defines a continuous slot 19 (i.e., the upper side is
open) having a width W1 (FIG. 2A). The upper side 12 has outside
surfaces 13 on either side of the slot 19, and inwardly (or
downwardly) depending lips 20 leading to an open interior 22 of the
channel framing 10.
In the illustrated embodiment, each of the lower, right and left
sides 14, 16, 18, respectively, defines a fitting groove 26 having
a length L2 (FIG. 3) extending lengthwise of the body 11 (e.g.,
along the entire length L1 of the body), and a depth D1 (FIG. 2A)
extending generally toward the longitudinal axis A of the body. In
the illustrated embodiment, the fitting grooves 26 have
substantially identical cross-sectional shapes and dimensions. In
another embodiment, at least the side (e.g., lower side 14)
opposite the slotted side (e.g., upper side 12) defines a fitting
groove 26, while the other two sides (e.g., right and left side 16,
18) may or may not define fitting grooves. An example of such a
channel framing is generally indicated at 10' in FIG. 1A. In the
illustrated example shown in FIG. 1A, the upper or slotted side 12'
is the same as upper side 12 of the channel framing 10 in FIG. 1,
and the lower side 14' and the fitting groove 26' are the same as
the respective lower side 14 and the fitting groove 26 of the
channel framing in FIG. 1. In addition to the right and left side
16', 18' being free from grooves, the other difference between the
channel framing 10' and the channel framing 10 are the heightwise
dimensions between the upper and lower sides 12, 14 and 12', 14'.
In the present channel framing 10', the height H2 is less than the
width W, and in particular, the height may be 50% less than the
width (e.g., the height may be 25 mm and the width may be 50 mm).
The channel framing 10' may have other dimensions.
Referring back to channel framing 10, as indicated in FIG. 2, each
fitting groove 26 is defined by opposing side walls 28 extending
inwardly from generally planar outer surfaces 32 of the
corresponding side 14, 16, 18 and toward the interior 22 of the
body 11. The side walls 28 extend to a bottom wall 30 that spans
between and interconnects the side walls. The side walls 28 flare
away from one another as they extend inward from the outer surfaces
32 toward the bottom 30 of the fitting groove 26 so that each
fitting groove has a generally dove-tail cross-sectional shape.
Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2A each fitting groove 26 has a first
relatively narrower width W2 (e.g., a minimum width) at its
entrance and a second relatively wider width W3 (e.g., a maximum
width) adjacent the bottom wall 30. As will be explained in greater
detail below, the fitting grooves 26 are configured for receiving
at least a portion of a coupling component of a fitting for use in
attaching or securing the fitting to any one of the sides 14, 16,
18 of the strut channel 10. The coupling component is configured to
generally "lock" (such as twist lock) in the fitting groove to
inhibit withdrawal of the fitting from the groove.
In the illustrated embodiment, openings 34 extend through each of
the bottom walls 30 of the fitting grooves 26. The openings 34 may
be configured for attaching the channel framing 10 to a structure
(e.g., a ceiling). The openings 34 may be, for example, knockouts,
or punched, or half-slots, or slots, as are generally known in the
art. Typically, the openings 34 in the channel framing 10 will be
the same type of opening, although the same channel framing may
include a mix of different types of openings, such as shown in the
illustrated embodiments.
The channel framing 10 may be formed from rigid metal, such as low
carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or other metals, or from
other material, such as fiberglass or plastic. The channel framing
10 may be cold formed using a rolling mill, such as when forming
the channel framing from steel, or the channel framing may be
extruded from an extrusion die, such as when forming the channel
framing from aluminum. The channel framing 10 may be formed in
other ways. The channel framing 10 may have a thickness from about
0.5 mm to about 4 mm. In one non-limiting example, the channel
framing 10 may be formed from 18 gauge (1.2 mm) steel sheet metal,
or from 20 gauge (0.9 mm) steel sheet metal. In another
non-limiting embodiment, the dimension of each of the width and
height of the channel framing 10 may be 53.5 mm, as opposed to 50
mm.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a fitting for use with the channel
framing 10 (or 10') is generally indicated at reference numeral 58.
The illustrated fitting 58 is generally in the form of rod hanger
assembly, indicated by the same reference numeral 58, which may be
used for hanging the channel framing 10 on a ceiling or other
elevated structure. The illustrated rod hanger assembly 58
comprises a coupling component, generally indicated at 60, and a
threaded rod 63 secured to the coupling component and extending
outward therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the rod 63 is
threadably attached to the coupling component 60, as explained
below. The rod 63 may be attached to the coupling component 60 in
other ways, such as by welding. Moreover, the illustrated coupling
component 60 may be configured for attachment to other components,
including but not limited to, a bolt or a threaded stud for
attaching another component (e.g., a bracket) to the channel
framing 10.
The illustrated coupling component 60 may be generally referred to
as a nut or a fitting-groove nut. As can be seen in FIGS. 6-11, the
coupling component 60 comprises a nut portion, generally indicated
at 62A (broadly, "a base"), and a spring portion, generally
indicated at 62B (broadly, "a washer"). The nut portion 62A has a
length L3 (FIG. 9), a longitudinal axis LA1, a height H3 (FIG. 10),
and a width W4 (FIG. 8). The nut portion 62A includes an inside
(lower) face 64, an outside (upper) face 66 (FIG. 7), opposite
sides 68, and opposite ends 70. The spring portion 62B is generally
disposed on the outside face 66 of the nut portion 62A. The spring
portion 62B has a length L4 (FIG. 9), a longitudinal axis LA2, a
height H4 (FIG. 10), and a width W5 (FIG. 8). The spring portion
62B includes an inside (lower) face 67 and an outside (upper) face
69 (FIG. 10). At least a portion of the inside face 67 of the
spring portion 62B engages the outside face 66 of the nut portion
62A. While the length L3 of the nut portion 62A of the coupling
component 60 is greater than the first or minimum widths W2 of the
fitting grooves 26 at the outer surfaces 32 of the respective sides
14, 16, 18, the width W4 of the nut portion 62A of the coupling
component is less than the first widths W2 of the fitting grooves
so that the coupling component may be inserted in and installed on
any of the fitting grooves in a manner to be hereinafter described.
Further, the height H3 of the nut portion 62A is substantially the
same as the depth D1 of the fitting grooves 26 so that the inside
face 67 of the spring portion 62B is disposed generally at or above
outer surfaces 32 of the sides 14, 16, 18 and adapted to engage the
outside surfaces of a respective side of the channel framing 10 at
opposite sides of the corresponding fitting groove 26. As will be
explained in greater detail below, the nut portion 62A and spring
portion 62B form a clamp to further secure the coupling component
of the rod hanger assembly 58 to the channel framing 10.
Diagonally opposite first and second corners 74 of the nut portion
62A at opposite ends 70 of the coupling component 60 are rounded
for facilitating such installation (see FIGS. 4 and 12).
Conversely, diagonally opposite third and fourth corners 76 of the
nut portion 62A are preferably substantially squared off (i.e., not
rounded) to facilitate locking of the coupling component 60 in the
fitting groove 26 and to inhibit over rotation of the coupling
component in the fitting groove 26. Further, the opposite ends 70
and the first and second corners 74 of the nut portion 62A of the
coupling component 60 are beveled or chamfered outwardly from the
outside face 66 toward the inside face 64, generally matching the
angle of the opposing walls 28 of the fitting grooves 26. The
beveled, rounded corners 74 facilitate turning the coupling
component 60 to a crosswise position relative to the fitting groove
26 so the longitudinal axis LA1 of the coupling component is
generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the channel
framing 10, while the beveled opposite ends 70 have a shape
corresponding generally to the shape of the space between the side
walls 28 and the bottom wall 30 of the fitting groves 26, as will
be described in more detail later. The nut portion 62A of the
coupling component 60 has a central threaded opening 71 extending
completely through the component from its inside face 64 to its
outside face 66, thus making it a "nut," as disclosed above.
As installed, the beveled opposite ends 70 may engage the
respective walls 28 of the fitting groove 26. In one embodiment,
the beveled opposite ends 70 include a friction-enhancing portion
72 configured to enhance the friction between the ends and the
respective walls 28, thereby inhibiting movement of the nut portion
62A longitudinally in the groove 26. In the embodiment illustrated
in FIGS. 6-12, for example, the friction-enhancing portion 72 is
knurled (i.e., including a plurality of knurls). In another
embodiment (FIG. 13), a friction-enhancing portion 72' of a nut
portion 62A' may include a dimpled portion (i.e., a plurality of
dimples or indentations) on opposite ends 70' thereof. In yet
another embodiment (FIG. 14), a friction-enhancing portion 72'' of
a nut portion 62A'' may include a toothed portion (i.e., including
a plurality of elongate teeth) on opposite ends 70'' thereof. The
friction-enhancing portion may be of other configurations for
enhancing friction between the nut portion and the walls of the
groove. For example, a friction-enhancing material may be applied
to the opposite ends.
The spring portion 62B comprises an annular section 80, legs 82
extending generally downward from the annular section, and wings 84
extending radially outward from the annular section. Each leg 82
comprises a first section 86 extending laterally from the annular
section 80 and a second section 88 extending downward from the
first section. In the illustrated embodiment, the second section 88
extends downward from the first section 86 at about a 90 degree
angle. However, other angles are envisioned. The second section 88
of each leg 82 is firmly fixed (e.g., by staking, adhesive,
welding, brazing or other means) in one of a pair of grooves 100
(see FIGS. 6 and 10) in the sides 68 of the nut portion 62A. Other
configurations are possible.
The length L4 (FIG. 9) of the spring portion 62B is greater than
the first or minimum widths W2 of the fitting grooves 26 of the
channel framing 10 so that the spring portion can span the fitting
groove with portions of the inside face 67 of the spring portion
being disposed above and/or contacting the outside surfaces 32 of
the corresponding side 14, 16, 18 of the channel framing. The
spring portion 62B has an unthreaded (clearance) opening 90 through
it generally aligned with the threaded opening 71 in the nut
portion 62A.
As shown in FIG. 10, each wing 84 of the spring portion 62B
comprises a first section 92 extending radially away from the
annular section 80, a second section 94 extending upward and
radially away from the first section, and a third section 96
extending radially away from the second section. In the illustrated
embodiment, the second section 94 extends upward at about a 45
degree angle, although the second section 94 may extend upward at
other angles. In the illustrated embodiment, the third section 96
extends substantially parallel to the first section 92, although
the third section could extend transverse to the first section. For
instance, the third section 96 could be bent downward as shown in
FIG. 5. The angle of the second section 94 may provide an
engagement surface for engaging a bend 73 between the flared side
wall 28 and outside surface 32 of the channel framing 10 as will be
explained in greater detail below. The angle may also account for
any uncontrolled tolerances in the construction of the channel
framing 10. The wings 84 of the spring portion 62B are resiliently
deflectable out of plane upon rotating the coupling component 60
within the fitting groove 26, as explained below. The wings 84
provide a biasing or spring force for clamping the coupling
component 60 against respective outside faces 32 of the
corresponding side 14, 16, 18 and the side walls 28 of the
corresponding fitting groove 26 to hold the coupling component in
the desired or selected position on the framing 10 until an object
(e.g., threaded rod 63 or other component) is secured to the
assembly.
The nut portion 62A of the coupling component 60 may be formed from
metal, such as a zinc-coated, heat treated, AISI 1018 steel having
a Rockwell hardness of 30-50 C and more preferably 40-45 C. The
spring portion 62B of the coupling component 60 may be formed from
spring steel. Other materials may be used.
Referring to FIG. 12, to install the coupling component 60 on the
channel framing 10, the coupling component 60 is aligned with and
inserted into the fitting groove 26 from the outside to the inside
thereof until the inside face 64 of the nut portion 62A of the
coupling component generally bottoms out in the groove. Once the
nut portion 62A of the coupling component 60 is at the bottom 30 of
the fitting groove 26, the coupling component is then turned
(rotated) in a first direction (e.g., clockwise as viewed in FIG.
12), suitably using the spring portion 62B as a handle, to bring
the rounded, beveled corners 74 of the nut portion of the coupling
component into contact with the flared side walls 28 of the fitting
groove 26. Applying a further rotational force on the coupling
component 60 may engage the spring portion 62B with the bend 73
between the flared side wall 28 and outside surface 32 causing the
second sections 94 of the wings to ride up the bend and the flared
side walls 28 to ride up respective beveled, rounded corners 74
(e.g., ramps) of the nut portion 62A, thereby deflecting the wings
84 away from the outside surface 32. This initial deflection is
generally at or below the elasticity of the wings 84, and in
particular the first section 92 of the wings, so that the wings
apply a counterforce toward the outside surface 32. Rotation of the
coupling component 60 is continued in the same direction through
about 90 degrees (e.g., about a quarter turn) until the coupling
component extends crosswise relative to the fitting groove 26 and
the beveled ends 70 are in abutting relation with the opposing side
walls 28 defining the fitting groove. In this position, the inside
face 64 of the nut portion 62A is generally at the bottom 30 of the
fitting groove, and the third sections 96 of the wings 84 oppose
the outside surface 32 of the channel framing 10. The beveled,
rounded corners 74 of the nut portion 62A facilitate rotation of
the coupling component to this crosswise position, with further
rotation being prevented by the unreduced (squared off) corners 76
which assist in holding the coupling component against further
turning. After the coupling component 60 has been turned to this
crosswise position, the spring portion 62B is released by the
user.
The wings 84 of the spring portion 62B can be manually adjusted by
deflecting the wings toward and away from the outside surface 32 of
the side 14, 16, 18 of the channel framing 10 (FIG. 5). The
deflection of the wings 84 adjusts a clamp force exerted by the
spring portion 62B and nut portion 62A of the coupling component 60
toward one another to bring the beveled sides 70 of the coupling
component into clamping engagement with the flared side walls 28 of
the fitting groove 26 and portions of the inside face 67 of the
spring portion into clamping engagement with the outside surfaces
32 of the corresponding side 14, 16, 18. This manual adjustment is
generally beyond the elasticity of the wings 84, and in particular
the first section 92 of the wings, so that the wings will remain in
the deflected position to maintain the desired clamp force. In one
embodiment, between about 1 and about 21/2 lbs of force deflection
will plastically deform the wings 84. In another embodiment, about
3 lbs. of force deflection will plastically deform the wings 84.
The coupling component 60 may be quickly and easily removed from
the framing 10 (as for reuse) by simply reversing the steps as set
out above.
In addition, in at least some embodiments one or more sides of the
channel framing, in addition to the slotted side having the
continuous slot opening (e.g., side 12), can be used to connect
components (e.g., hanger rods, pipes, etc.) to the channel framing.
In one particular application, the side opposite the slotted side
(e.g., side 14) can be used to connect desired components to the
channel framing. Moreover, the side 12 of the channel framing 10
having the slot 19 can have the same configuration as the slotted
sides of conventional channel framings to make the systems
described herein compatible with existing channel nuts, pipe
clamps, miscellaneous fitting, etc.
When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred
embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and "said" are
intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The
terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are intended to be
inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than
the listed elements.
As various changes could be made in the above constructions,
products, and methods without departing from the scope of the
invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above
description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *
References